Improve your childrens diet with the food pyramid for kids

November 12, 2012

In order to provide your child or children with the most nutritionally beneficial diet follow this food pyramid for kids guide. There are 6 main types of food types, which the food pyramid for kids is made up of. The first food group is grains, which includes bread and rice. If possible avoid white rice and white bread, which have been refined destroying most of their nutritional value. Instead stick to whole grains, which are a great source of iron, fibre and many other vitamins. Vegetables make up the second group and are a great source of loads of vitamins and nutrients including fibre, folate, potassium and the vitamins A, C and E. Mix up the kinds and colours of vegetables. Dark green vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli are very nutritional but mix it up with others such as carrot, pumpkin and sweet potato. The third group is fruits, which also contain plenty of vitamin C, fibre and potassium. You can vary the fruit and alternate between fresh, frozen and dried, all of which are more beneficial than fruit juice. The fourth group in the food pyramid for kids comes under the heading of milk but actually includes all dairy products which are high in calcium, potassium, protein, and vitamin D. Some such foods include cheese and yoghurt but try to stick to the low or reduced fat options.

Group number five is meat and beans but includes fish, poultry, nuts and eggs, all of which are great sources of protein, iron, vitamin B, zinc, magnesium and vitamin E.

The sixth and final group making up the food pyramid for kids is oils. Polyunsaturated and mono-saturated oils and fats are an important source of essential fatty acids, which are important in aiding childrens development and concentration. Whenever possible, try to avoid saturated and trans fats.

When following the food pyramid for kids it is recommended that children eat lots of the following: wholemeal or wholegrain bread, whole-wheat cereals, beans, lentils and fruit and vegetables. Stick to these kinds of food but try to vary it so that you benefit from the different vitamins and nutrients. Children should eat a moderate amount of: dairy including milk cheese and yoghurt, chicken, fish and nuts. Protein and calcium are important from these foods to build strong muscles and bones. The food pyramid for kids suggests the following are only eaten occasionally: chocolate, potato chips, ice cream and cake. These foods contain a lot of fat and sugar so shouldnt be eaten too often.